Clark named permanent police chief in Northampton

The Northampton supervisors have taken the “acting” out of Michael Clark’s title and made him the township’s permanent police chief.

Supervisor James Cunningham made the announcement at Wednesday night’s meeting.

“I’m happy to announce Michael Clark has been hired as permanent chief in Northampton,” said Cunningham. “We wish him and all the officers well.”

“We’ve been in contact with Barry Pilla (former chief), and he was very happy and felt we had made an excellent choice,” added Chairwoman Kimberly Rose.

An announcement about a police chief was not on Wednesday’s agenda but was made by Cunningham as part of his monthly meeting report. The announcement was greeted by applause by several members of the audience.

Clark, 61, had been acting chief since Pilla retired July 1 after 21 years as chief. Before that, Clark was the department’s lieutenant and second-in-command for 20 years. He has been with the Northampton force for 38 years.

Township Manager Robert Pellegrino said Clark’s annual salary will remain at the same $112,000 he’s been earning since being named acting chief. Pilla was making $117,083 a year when he retired.

Before taking over for Pilla, Clark was earning $101,327 a year as lieutenant, so the promotion has come with a $10,673 raise.

Clark was not at Wednesday night’s meeting and the newspaper was unsuccessful in attempts to reach him for comment.

Pellegrino said Clark’s appointment as chief doesn’t have to be renewed every year and he will have no contract. He will receive annual raises on par with the rest of the township’s non-union employees, said Pellegrino.

Though he is not a member of the police union, Clark — like all township police officers — will contribute nothing toward his health insurance premium, Pellegrino added.

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